Buck-O-Nine formed in a small warehouse in the early part of 1991. Based in… Read Full Bio ↴Buck-O-Nine formed in a small warehouse in the early part of 1991. Based in San Diego, the band was on the horizon of a change in the music industry. At the time the catch phrase was “Grunge.” The band was eager to take a different path. With their backgrounds in Punk/Metal bands, Reggae bands and 2nd wave Ska bands, Buck-O-Nine had the formula for what was to become a new mutation of sounds. Inspired by the early founders of this new sound, Buck-O-Nine admired the works of Fishbone, Operation Ivy, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and the Voodoo Glow Skulls.

Buck-O-Nine has released several albums including Songs in the Key of Bree, Barfly, Twenty-Eight Teeth, and Libido.

Currently Buck-O-Nine still plays shows for fun. They have re-connected with the positive, fun vibe that the band originated from.

Callin' in Sick
Buck-O-Nine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm calling in sick
I'm calling in sick
This is mike and I'm calling in sick
My leg got hurt got hit by a brick
This is mike and I'm calling in sick
I spent four years in the USMC
I learned how to fight
I learned how to drink

And when I got a real job I couldnt believe
So every Monday morning
This is what you'll here from me
I've never had a job
More than minimum wage
I've never worked an 8 hour day
And if my boss says son you gotta work late
As quick as I could say it
This is what you'd here me say

its 9:15 and I'm late again
I think ill finish that fifth of gin

Then ill call my boss and ill tell him again
Ill tell him that I'm not coming in

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Buck-O-Nine's "Callin' in Sick" tell the story of a man named Mike who is fed up with his job and decides to call in sick. He claims to have injured his leg after being hit by a brick, but it becomes apparent that he is just looking for an excuse to stay home. Mike spent four years in the USMC, where he learned how to fight and how to drink. He was surprised when he got a real job, and every Monday morning, he calls in sick. Mike has never had a job that paid more than minimum wage, and he has never worked an eight-hour day. If his boss ever asks him to work late, he quickly tells them that he's not coming in.

The song is an anthem for anyone who has ever had a job that they hated. Mike's character is relatable to anyone who has ever felt undervalued or unappreciated at work. It speaks to the desire to break free of the 9-5 grind and to do something more fulfilling.

Overall, "Callin' in Sick" is a satirical take on the American work ethic. It challenges the notion that everyone should work hard and strive for success. Instead, it suggests that sometimes it's okay to take a break and enjoy life.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm calling in sick
I am faking an illness to avoid going to work

I'm calling in sick
I am still pretending to be ill to avoid going to work

This is mike and I'm calling in sick
I am pretending to be someone named Mike who is calling in sick

My leg got hurt got hit by a brick
I am coming up with a fake excuse for why I am calling in sick

This is mike and I'm calling in sick
I am still pretending to be Mike and faking an illness

I spent four years in the USMC
I am sharing that I am a former Marine

I learned how to fight
I learned how to defend myself while serving in the military

I learned how to drink
I engaged in drinking while serving in the military

And when I got a real job I couldn't believe
I was surprised when I found employment outside of the military

So every Monday morning
At the beginning of each workweek

This is what you'll hear from me
This is what I will say

I've never had a job
I have never held a decent job

More than minimum wage
That pays more than the minimum wage

I've never worked an 8 hour day
I have never worked a full day in my life

And if my boss says son you gotta work late
If my boss tells me to work overtime

As quick as I could say it
I will respond immediately

This is what you'd hear me say
This is what I will say to my boss

It's 9:15 and I'm late again
I am running late for work

I think I'll finish that fifth of gin
I will drink a bottle of gin

Then I'll call my boss and I'll tell him again
I will call my boss and lie about why I am not coming to work

I'll tell him that I'm not coming in
I will tell my boss that I cannot come to work

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony Jerome Curry, Craig William Yarnold, Daniel Leon Albert, Jon Ryan Pebsworth, Jonas Kleiner, Scott Tyler Kennerly, Steve D Bauer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS